Expert reveals why Christmas holidays 'sex spike' occurs every festive season

An expert says there's many reasons why the 'holiday sex spike' can explain why you're feeling a little freakier over the festive period.

Michael Salas, a licensed professional counselor, has lifted the lid on an eye-opening study about relationship challenges in the lead up to Christmas and New Year.

“Holidays amplify everything that already exists beneath the surface,” Salas, the lead author of Vantage Point Counseling, said to the New York Post.

He claims that the 'most wonderful time of the year' is actually the most difficult for many couples - and that sex acts as a risky, short-term relief.

“When people are overwhelmed, the nervous system looks for relief,” Salas explained.

“Sex can temporarily quiet stress responses, even if the underlying emotional issues remain unresolved.”

75 percent of 2,203 Americans surveyed also said the state of their finances was a top concern with the cost-of-living crisis, while 46 percent said they were worried about not being able to afford gifts.

The 'holiday sex spike' could be a sign of masking issues in your personal life (Getty Stock Images)

Just under a third, meanwhile, were worried about dealing with challenging family dynamics in the lead up to Christmas.

“This season acts like a pressure cooker,” Salas suggested.

“Boundaries weaken, unresolved issues surface and people often lean into intimacy as a way to stabilise themselves emotionally.”

An interest in sex peaks during the holiday (Getty Stock Images)

Salas thinks people often feel 'confused' after sex when they use it to 'regulate stress or self-worth', and end up being more 'disconnected later'.

Instead, the expert recommends five alternatives for navigating stress towards the end of the year.

Practice emotional boundaries

By putting boundaries in place, Salas believes it can stop closeness being used to dodge stress instead of actually dealing with it.

Create space for self-regulation

Taking a short walk, stepping outside, or quietly sitting for a few minutes can go a long way in preventing feeling emotionally overwhelmed during festive times.

Stress reduction is a proven benefit of sex (Getty Stock Images)

Set realistic expectations

Another key alternative to sexing your way out of it is to not set unrealistic goals.

There's no such thing as the 'perfect holiday' and trying to make everything ideal often causes more pressure than joy.

Communicate openly

Open, honest conversations about stress, needs, and limits usually builds more intimacy than avoiding the topic altogether.

Normalise mixed emotions

And finally, mixed emotions are normal. Feeling stressed or insecure, or not entirely joyful during the holidays is very common and very human. Accepting that can ease self-judgment and make space for having a better time.